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Abstract:

A combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit which comprises a
framework that accommodates a hot water heater device, a ozone generator
device and a combined temporary storage tank having both a hot water
compartment and a separate cold water compartment. The hot water heater
device is connected with the hot water compartment of the combined
temporary storage tank for heating the water contained therein. The ozone
generator device is connected with only the water compartment of the
combined temporary storage tank for supplying ozone to the water
contained therein.

Claims:

1. A combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit comprising a
framework accommodating: a hot water heater device; an ozone generator
device; a combined temporary storage tank having both a hot water
compartment and a separate cold water compartment; the hot water heater
device being connected with the hot water compartment of the combined
temporary storage tank for heating the water contained therein; and the
ozone generator device being connected with only the water compartment of
the combined temporary storage tank for supplying ozone to the water
contained therein.

2. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein the hot water compartment of the temporary storage tank
includes a hot water circulation loop which circulates the hot water, via
a recirculating hot water conduit, through a hot water booster heating
system prior to returning the reheated hot water back to the hot water
compartment of the temporary storage tank.

3. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein the cold water compartment of the temporary storage tank
includes an ozone circulation loop which circulates the cold water, via
ozone circulation conduit, through an ozone dispersion device, which
thoroughly mixes and disperses the supplied ozone within the cold water,
prior to returning the cold water back to the cold water compartment of
the temporary storage tank.

4. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein the combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit
has a maximum size of about 64 ft.2 and a top surface of the
combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit forms a utility surface
with the laundry mat.

5. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein an ozone generator device and a combined hot and cold
water temporary storage tank are accommodated within an internal cavity
of the combined hot and ozonated cold water compact unit, and the
temporary storage tank is partitioned into a hot water compartment and a
separate cold water compartment.

6. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 5, wherein the hot water compartment has a storage capacity of
between about 10 and 50 gallons of hot water while the cold water
compartment has a storage capacity of between about 5 and about 35
gallons of cold water.

7. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 5, wherein the temporary storage tank supplies both hot and cold
water to each washing machine, and a water supply line is connected with
a variable pressure control valve which regulates a pressure of the water
to be supplied to the temporary storage tank.

8. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 7, wherein the water supply line includes a T-shaped coupling 38,
located between the variable pressure control valve and the temporary
storage tank, which splits the water supply line into two separate water
supply lines, a first segment of the water supply line is connected with
a cold water supply inlet of the cold water compartment while a second
segment of the water supply line is connected with a hot water supply
inlet of the hot water compartment.

9. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 5, wherein the hot water heater device is connected with a heating
outlet of the hot water compartment of the temporary storage tank, via a
supply leg of a hot water circulation conduit, for supplying the cold
water, along with some of the hot water contained within the hot water
compartment of the temporary storage tank, to the hot water heater device
for heating and the heated hot water is then conveyed back to the hot
water compartment of the temporary storage tank, via a return leg of the
hot water circulation conduit and a hot water inlet, for temporary
storage until the hot water is required by a washing machine.

10. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 9, wherein a hot water pump is provided along the return leg of the
hot water circulation conduit to facilitate pumping water from the
temporary storage tank to the hot water heater device and returning the
heated water back to the temporary storage tank.

11. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is located within the hot water
compartment, of the temporary storage tank, for measuring the water
temperature of the hot water contained therein, and the temperature
sensor is coupled to a control panel which controls required heating and
reheating of the water contained within the hot water compartment by the
hot water heater device.

12. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 11, wherein the temperature sensor detects when cold water enters
the hot water compartment of the temporary storage tank and activates a
heating cycle of the hot water heater device for heating the water
contained within the hot water compartment prior to delivery of the water
to a washing machine.

13. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein a baffle redirects the cold water, which enters into the
cold water compartment via the cold water inlet, in a circumferential
direction to induce a swirling motion of the water stored within the cold
water compartment of the temporary storage tank and assist with agitating
and mixing as well as maintaining and redissolving of any undissolved and
non-vented ozone contained within the cold water compartment of the
temporary storage tank.

14. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 1, wherein the cold water compartment of the temporary storage tank
includes a cold water circulation loop which pumps cold water, via a
first leg of a circulation conduit, from the cold water outlet of the
cold water compartment to a circulation pump, a discharge end of the
circulation pump is directly connected with a venturi, an outlet of the
venturi communicates, via a second leg of the circulation conduit, with
the cold water supply inlet of the cold water compartment, and the ozone
generator device is connected with an inlet of the venturi for supplying
ozone thereto.

15. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 14, wherein the ozone generator device generates ozone, to be
supplied to and dissolved within the cold water being pumped by the
circulation pump, so that when this ozonated cold water is eventually
returned back to the cold water compartment, the supplied ozonated cold
water contains an adequate amount of ozone, dissolved therein, to
facilitate the cleaning of the laundry being washed.

16. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 14, wherein the venturi assists with accelerating the supplied cold
water, as the cold water initially enters the venturi and then mixes with
the ozone, supplied via the ozone inlet and thereafter the mixture then
decelerates and exits the venturi and flows along the second leg of the
circulation conduit into the cold water compartment of the temporary
storage tank.

17. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 16, wherein, during conveyance along the second leg of the
circulation conduit, the ozone and water mixture undergoes a dwell time
which assists with intimate mixing and further dissolving of the ozone in
the water to facilitate a more complete and thorough mixing of the ozone
with the water upon flowing into an inlet of a sparger tube and entering
the cold water compartment.

18. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 17, wherein the sparger tube further facilitates mixing of the
ozone within the water and then discharges the water from an outlet of
the sparger tube into the cold water compartment of the temporary storage
tank.

19. The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit according to
claim 17, wherein the sparger tube extends radially inwardly toward a
center of the cold water compartment before turning approximately
90.degree. and extending substantially axially along a central axis of
the temporary storage tank away from a bottom of the tank.

20. A method of ozonating water using a combined compact hot and ozonated
cold water unit which comprises a framework accommodating a hot water
heater device; an ozone generator device; a combined temporary storage
tank having both a hot water compartment and a separate cold water
compartment; the hot water heater device being connected with the hot
water compartment of the combined temporary storage tank for heating the
water contained therein; and the ozone generator device being connected
with only the water compartment of the combined temporary storage tank
for supplying ozone to the water contained therein, the method comprising
the step of: ozonating water contained within the cold water compartment
and in the heating water contained within the hot water compartment prior
to supplying water to the washing machine.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a compact unit and a method of
utilizing the compact unit for controlling the supply of ozonated water
to a plurality of washing machines to which it continuously supplies an
unrestricted flow of water to each one of the washing machines and
achieves thorough and complete cleaning, sanitization and disinfection of
the laundry being washed with the least amount of energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of ozone for cleaning and sanitizing laundry has been known
for quite some time. The primary reason is that ozone is generally
recognized as being effective in cleaning as well as deodorizing and
sanitizing laundry while minimizing impact to the environment. With
respect to commercial applications, ozone is generally a preferred
cleaning component as it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and
quite reliable in disinfecting and deodorizing laundry.

[0003] As is well known, the application of ozone to a cleaning fluid,
such as water, acts as a disinfectant as well as assists with removing
dirt, debris and other contaminants from the laundry detergent so that
the laundry detergent can again be effective in removing dirt, debris and
other contaminants from the clothing or other laundry being laundered.

[0004] While it is known that dissolving ozone in a liquid, such as water,
will assist with improving the cleaning and sanitization efficiency of
the water, a number of the currently available prior art systems suffer a
variety of associated drawbacks. In particular, a portion of the ozone
which is added to the water does not become completely dissolved within
the water so that it can not directly contact any substance(s) dissolved
or contained within the water. As a result, the undissolved ozone rapidly
gasses off, dissipates and/or evaporates from the water as soon as the
water enters into a reservoir or some other expansion chamber, for
example. Accordingly, such undissolved ozone is not effective cleaning
and/or disinfecting and thus not all of the ozone, which is added to the
water, is active or effective in achieving the desired cleaning and/or
sanitization intended by the ozonated water.

[0005] It is to appreciated that washing laundry can be a relatively
expensive process. It utilizes costly resources--water, energy,
detergents and labor and such laundering is often not only required to
clean but also to disinfect the laundered items. While conventional
detergents and soaps can be effective in removing dirt, grease, grime and
other contaminants, they are not always effective in killing germs and
bacteria. The application of ozone to the water is known to enhance the
disinfection capabilities of conventional detergents and soaps. Ozone
generally improves cleaning of laundry, even at cold water wash
temperatures, and also has an antibacterial effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the
above mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact
unit: which incorporates (1) a hot water heating unit, (2) an ozone
generator, (3) a hot water storage tank, and (4) a cold water storage
tank, along with associated plumbing and pumps, and combines and contains
all of these components within a single unit. The combined and compact
unit has the additional feature of the top surface thereof preferably
forming a utilization/folding surface which can be utilized by patrons or
customers of the laundry mat for folding their laundry, placing cleaning
supplies thereon, temporarily storing laundry baskets or other laundry
accessories thereon, etc.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact
unit which can be accommodated within a relatively small space (e.g.,
typically a floor space measuring approximately no greater than about
7'×3' or 4'×4', for example, so that the compact unit can be
readily installed within either an existing laundry mat or a new laundry
mat with only minimal alteration to the laundry mat facility while still
ensuring an adequate and unrestricted supply of hot water, warm (i.e.,
tepid) water and ozonated cold water to each one of the washing machines
located within the laundry mat and thereby maximize cleaning of the
laundry to be washed while minimizing the amount of energy required to
obtain such clean, deodorized and sanitized laundry.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to utilize only hot
water, which is not ozonated, during an initial hot water wash cycle and
thereafter primarily use cold water during any other wash cycle(s), and
also during all of the rinse cycles, so as to minimize the amount of
energy required to heat the water while still maximizing cleaning,
deodorizing and sanitization of the laundry being laundered.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ozone
injection system in which the amount of ozone, which is injected or
otherwise added to the cold water, generally increases as the flow rate
of the cold water from the temporary storage tank to the washing machines
increases. That is, as the flow rate of the cold water from the temporary
storage tank to the washing machines increases, this generally causes a
pressure drop within the temporary storage tank and on the outlet side of
the venturi which, in turn, assists with sucking or drawing in additional
ozone, via the ozone inlet of the venturi, thereby ensuring an adequate
amount of ozone being supplied to and dissolved and/or dispersed within
the cold water prior to supplying the same to a washing machine.

[0011] A still further object of the invention is to provide a water
supply system in which the water to be supplied to each one of the
washing machines is always adequate and does not in any way restrict or
inhibit water filling rate of any of the washing machines, particularly
when three or more washing machines, for example, are being
simultaneously filled with hot water and/or cold water by the combined
hot and ozonated cold water compact unit. As a result, each one of the
washing machines is able to be quickly and reliably filled during the
shortest possible filling time.

[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a
circulation system, for the hot water, so as to ensure an ample supply of
hot water is always continuously and readily available for supply to any
one of the washing machines located within the laundry mat and also
provide a circulation system, for the cold water, so as to ensure that an
ample amount of ozone is always adequately dissolved within the cold
water prior to supplying the ozonated cold water to the washing machine.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a combined compact hot and
ozonated cold water unit comprising a framework accommodating: a water
heating device; a ozone generator device; a combined temporary storage
tank having both a hot water compartment and a separate cold water
compartment; the water heating device being connected with the hot water
compartment of the combined temporary storage tank for heating the water
contained therein; and the ozone generator device being connected with
only the water compartment of the combined temporary storage tank for
supplying ozone to the water contained therein.

[0014] As used within this patent application, the term "hot water"
generally refers to water having a water temperature of between about
85° F. and about 105° F.--although higher water
temperatures are possible and considered within the spirit and scope of
the present invention; the term "tepid water" generally refers to water
having a water temperature between about 72° F. and about
85° F.; and the term "cold water" generally refers to water having
a water temperature between about 72° F. or less.

[0015] The present invention incorporates some of the features and
teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,506,309 7,430,884 and 7,614,260 and the
subject matter of those patents is hereby incorporated by reference. In
addition, the present invention also incorporates some of the features
and teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,458 and the subject matter of that
patent is also hereby incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the combined compact hot
and ozonated cold water unit, according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic front elevational of FIG. 1 with the front
panel removed for clarity so as to reveal the internal components;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top, front, right side perspective view of
FIG. 1 with the front and right side panels removed for clarity;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top, front, left side perspective view of
FIG. 1 with the front and left side panels removed for clarity;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top, rear, right side perspective view of
FIG. 1 with the rear and right side panels removed for clarity;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front elevational view of the combined hot
water and cold water storage tank;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic right side elevational view of the
combined hot water and cold water storage tank of FIG. 6;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the combined hot water
and cold water storage tank of FIG. 6;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a second embodiment of
the combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit, according to the
present invention, with the top and front panels removed for clarity;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic top, front, right side perspective view
of FIG. 9 with the top, front and side panels removed for clarity; and

[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic top, front, left side perspective view of
FIG. 9 with the top, front and side panels removed for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 1-8, a brief description concerning the
various components of the combined hot and ozonated cold water compact
unit 2, according to the present invention, will now be briefly
discussed. As shown in this embodiment, the combined hot and ozonated
cold water compact unit 2 generally comprises a framework 4 for
supporting and accommodating the internal components (discussed below) of
the compact unit. The internal framework 4 is typically respectively
closed on all four sides by at least one front panel 6, at least one rear
panel 8, a left panel 10 and a right panel 12. If desired, one or more of
these panels 6, 8, 10 and 12 may be secured to the framework 4 by a
conventional hinge and latch mechanism (not shown) in order to facilitate
ease of access to the internal cavity 13, defined by the framework 4,
when desired by service personnel. One or more conventional locks may be
utilized on the panels to prevent unauthorized access to the interior
cavity 13. Alternatively, the panels 6, 8, 10 and 12 can be secured to
the framework 4 by conventional fasteners (not shown), such as bolts,
screws, etc., to minimize unauthorized access to the interior cavity 13
and such conventional fasteners will typically only be removed by service
personnel when access to the interior cavity is desired or necessary for
servicing or adjustment of any of the internal components of the combined
hot and ozonated cold water compact unit 2.

[0029] In addition, the top surface 14 of the framework 4 forms a
utility/folding surface which permits folding laundry, accommodating or
placement of various laundry accessories, belongings, items of patrons
and customers of the laundry, etc. All of the internal components are
either directly supported by the internal framework 4 or are directly
supported by the bottom surface 16 of the internal framework 4. This
arrangement permits all of the internal components to be conveniently
accommodated within the combined hot and ozonated cold water compact unit
2 and assists with quick and easy installation of the compact unit, at a
desired laundry mat facility, as a complete unit.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, it can be seen that a condensing hot
water heater device 18 (e.g., powered by gas or propane, for example), a
conventional ozone generator device 20 and a combined hot and cold water
temporary storage tank 22 are all accommodated within the internal cavity
13 of the combined hot and ozonated cold water compact unit 2. The
temporary storage tank 22 is divided or partitioned by an internal
dividing wall 24 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) into a hot water compartment 26 and
a separate cold water compartment 28. The hot water compartment 26
typically has storage capacity of between about 10 and 50 gallons of hot
water, for example, and more preferably has a storage capacity of about
20 gallons of hot water, while the cold water compartment 28 typically
has storage capacity of between about 5 and about 35 gallons of cold
water, for example, and more preferably has a storage capacity of about
10 gallons of cold water.

[0031] A conventional water supply line 30 (see FIG. 5) is typically
connected to either municipal water supply or a well, generally
designated as 32, for supplying water to the temporary storage tank 22.
The temporary storage tank 22, in turn, supplies hot and/or cold water to
each one of the washing machines 34 of the laundry mat, as will be
described below in further detail. This water supply line 30 is typically
connected with a variable pressure control valve 36 which regulates the
pressure of the water being supplied to the temporary storage tank 22
from either the municipal water supply or the well 32. The water supply
line 30 includes a T-shaped coupling 38, located between the variable
pressure control valve 36 and the temporary storage tank 22, which splits
the water supply line 30 into two separate water supply lines. A first
segment 40 of the water supply line is connected with a cold water supply
inlet 41 of the cold water compartment 28 while a second segment 42 of
the water supply line is connected with a hot water supply inlet 43 of
the hot water compartment 26.

[0032] The condensing hot water heater device 18 is connected with a
heating outlet 46 of the hot water compartment 26 of the temporary
storage tank 22, via a supply leg of a hot water circulation conduit 44,
for normally supplying the cold water, along with some of the hot water
contained within the hot water compartment 26 of the temporary storage
tank 22, as discussed below in further detail, to the hot water heater
device 18 for suitable heating. The heated hot water is then conveyed
back to the hot water compartment 26 of the temporary storage tank 22,
via a return leg of the hot water circulation conduit 44 and a hot water
inlet 47, for temporary storage until the hot water is required by any of
the washing machines 34. The hot water heater device 18 heats the
supplied generally combined hot and cold water, in a conventional manner,
prior to returning the same back to the hot water compartment 26 of the
temporary storage tank 22. A hot water pump 45 is provided along the
return leg of the hot water circulation conduit 44 to facilitate pumping
water from the temporary storage tank 20 to the hot water heater device
18 and thereafter returning the heated water back to the temporary
storage tank 22.

[0033] A temperature sensor 53 is located within the hot water compartment
26, of the temporary storage tank 22, to measure the water temperature of
the hot water contained within the hot water compartment 26. The
temperature sensor 53 is coupled to a control panel (accommodated within
the hot water heater device and not shown in detail) which contains
suitable software for controlling the heating and reheating of the water
contained within the hot water compartment 26 of the temporary storage
tank 22 by the hot water heater device 18, as necessary. The sensor 53
also immediately detects when any cold water enters the hot water
compartment 26 of the temporary storage tank 22 (a normal occurrence when
one or more of the washers begin to fill with either hot or tepid water)
and accordingly activates the heating cycle of the hot water heater
device 18. Such design minimizes any temperature degradation of the
heated water, contained within the hot water compartment 26 of the
temporary storage tank 22, prior to delivery to the washers.

[0034] In the event that the temperature of the hot water contained within
the hot water compartment 26 falls significantly below 105° F.,
e.g., a few degrees or so below 105° F. for example, then the hot
water pump 45 is activated, by the control panel CP, to pump water from
the hot water compartment 26 to the hot water heater device 18, for
reheating, and thereafter return the heated water back to the temporary
storage tank 20. This facilitates maintaining the hot water, contained
within the hot water compartment 26 of the temporary storage tank 22, at
a desired hot water supply temperature, e.g., a hot water temperature of
about 105° F., for example. Such reheating of the hot water is
typically required when there is an excess period of time between initial
heating of the hot water and the subsequent use of the hot water by any
one of the washing machines 34.

[0035] To facilitate both initial heating of the originally supplied cold
water supplied to the hot water compartment 26 as well as reheating of
the hot water contained therein, a hot water supply manifold 49
interconnects the cold water inlet 43, of the hot water compartment 26,
directly with the heating outlet 46 of the hot water compartment 26 of
the temporary storage tank 22. The hot water supply manifold 49 is
manufactured substantially in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,458,
and the teachings of that reference are incorporated herein by reference.
As a result of this arrangement, substantially all of the cold water,
initially supplied to the hot water compartment 26, is directly conveyed,
via the hot water supply manifold 49, through the hot water compartment
26 to the hot water heater device 18 for heating. The hot water supply
manifold 49 has a plurality of apertures provided in the exterior surface
of the conduit which permits, depending upon the flow rate through the
hot water supply manifold 49, some of the hot water to be drawn into the
hot water supply manifold 49, and mix with and be conveyed along with the
cold water flowing within the hot water supply manifold 49, as the cold
water flows therealong toward the hot water heater device 18 for initial
heating. This arrangement generally ensures that all of the cold water is
initially heated before being directly discharged back into the hot water
compartment 26 of the temporary storage tank 22 for conveyance to any of
the washing machine(s) 34.

[0036] As the cold water enters, via the cold water inlet 41, into the
cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage tank 22, the cold
water initially is redirected by a baffle 51 (see FIG. 7) in a
circumferential direction to induce a swirling motion of the water stored
within the cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage tank 22.
This swirling motion assists with agitating and mixing as well as
maintaining and/or redissolving of any undissolved and non-vented ozone
contained within the cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage
tank 22.

[0037] The cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage tank 22 also
includes a cold water circulation loop 66 which pumps cold water, via a
first leg of a circulation conduit 67, from the cold water outlet 65 of
the cold water compartment 28 to a circulation pump 70. A discharge end
of the circulation pump 70 is directly connected with a venturi 62. An
outlet of the venturi 62 communicates, via a second leg of the
circulation conduit 68, with the cold water supply inlet 71 of the cold
water compartment 28. The ozone generator device 20 is connected with an
inlet of the venturi 62 for supplying ozone thereto via line 60. The
ozone generator device 20 generates a suitable amount of ozone, to be
supplied to and dissolved within the cold water being pumped by the
circulation pump 70, so that when this ozonated cold water is eventually
returned back to the cold water compartment 28 and then supplied to any
one of the washing machines 34, the supplied ozonated cold water will
contain an adequate amount of ozone, dissolved therein, to facilitate the
desired cleaning, disinfection and/or sanitation of the laundry being
washed. That is, the circulation loop 66 ensures that a sufficient amount
of ozone is constantly and continuously dissolved within the cold water
contained within the cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage
tank 22, prior to supplying the same to any of the washing machines 34 of
the laundry mat. In addition, in the event that a sufficient amount of
ozone dissolves out of the cold water, the circulation loop 66 can be
activated so as to dissolve additional ozone within the cold water
contained within the cold water compartment 28.

[0038] As is conventional in the art, the venturi 62 assists with
initially accelerating the supplied cold water, as the cold water
initially enters the entrance of the venturi 62 and then mixes with the
ozone, supplied via the ozone inlet 60. Thereafter, the ozone/water
mixture then decelerates as this mixture exits the venturi 62 and flows
along the second leg of the circulation conduit 68 and is discharged, via
a circulation inlet, into the cold water compartment 28 of the temporary
storage tank 22. During conveyance along the second leg of the
circulation conduit 68, the ozone/water mixture continues intimate mixing
with one another which assists with further dissolving of the ozone in
the water. In order to facilitate a more complete and thorough mixing
and/or dissolving of the ozone with the water, as soon as the water/ozone
mixture enters the cold water compartment 28, via the circulation inlet,
this water/ozone mixture then directly flows into an inlet of a sparger
tube 64, manufactured substantially in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,506,309 7,430,884 and/or 7,614,260, or possibly an inlet of a static
mixer 64 (as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/435,555 filed Jan. 24, 2011 the subject matter of which is
incorporated herein by reference), such as a static mixer manufactured
substantially in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,288 by Ozone
Solution.

[0039] As the water/ozone mixture passes through and along the sparger
tube/static mixer 64, the ozone is still further intimately and
completely mixed and dispersed within and throughout the cold water. As a
result, the sparger tube/static mixer 64 thereby facilitates a more
complete and thorough dissolving of the ozone within the water.
Thereafter, the ozonated cold water is then discharged from an outlet of
the sparger tube/static mixer 64 directly into the cold water compartment
28 of the temporary storage tank 22. The ozonated water is then retained
therein until such ozonated cold water is required by one or more of the
washing machines 34. It is to be appreciated that most of the cold water,
being supplied via the first segment 40 of the water supply line to the
cold water compartment 28 generally first passes through the venturi 62
and the sparger tube/static mixer 64, prior to being supplied to any one
of the washing machines 34.

[0040] The sparger tube/static mixer 64 generally extends radially
inwardly, toward a center of the cold water compartment 28 before turning
approximately 90° and extending substantially axially along a
central axis of the temporary storage tank 22 away from a bottom of the
tank. The ozonated cold water is finally discharged from an outlet of the
sparger tube/static mixer 64 located in an upper region of the cold water
compartment 28. It is to be appreciated that the discharge position from
the sparger tube/static mixer 64 is critical to insure complete and
thorough ozone absorption in the water and minimizing any non-absorbed
ozone from being vented out of the vent tube 72. The discharge flow of
the ozonated water, from the sparger tube/static mixer 64, is directly
into the circumferential flow pattern of the cold water compartment 28
which is established by the baffle 51 when the unozonated cold water
initially flows in through the cold water inlet 41.

[0041] The water supply according to the present invention generally
employs the path of least assistance. That is, when one or possibly a
couple of washing machines are simultaneously being filled with hot
water, substantially all of the hot water being supplied to the hot water
compartment 26 will immediately flow, via the hot water supply manifold
49, to the hot water heating device 18 for initial heating. However, when
three or more washing machines, for example, are simultaneously being
filled with hot water, the hot water heating device 18 is generally not
capable of instantaneously heating the demanded amount of hot water. When
this situation occurs, a portion of the cold water is supplied to the hot
water heating device 18, via the hot water supply manifold 49, while a
remaining portion of the water flows out through the apertures of the hot
water supply manifold 49 and mixes with the hot water contained within
the hot water compartment 26 and can, thereafter, be supplied to the
washing machines 34 being filled. This arrangement ensures that the hot
water flow to each one of the washing machines 34 is never restricted or
hindered by the temporary storage tank 22. Moreover, as the cold water
directly flows into the cold water compartment 28, this cold water can
mix with the ozonated water contained therein and thereafter can be
supplied to the washing machines 34 being filled. This arrangement
ensures that the flow of cold flow water to each one of the washing
machines 34 is also not restricted or hindered in any manner.

[0042] The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit 2 includes an
ozone bleed off and vent conduit 72, which is designed to allow any
undissolved ozone to be vented from the cold water compartment 28 of the
temporary storage tank 22. If desired, the ozone bleed off and vent
conduit 72 can be directly vented in a conventional manner (not shown) to
the exterior of the laundry mat facility so as to prevent a hazardous
situation from arising within the laundry mat (e.g., the accumulation of
excess ozone within the laundry mat). Alternatively, the ozone bleed off
and vent conduit 72 may be directly connected to a conventional ozone
conversion device (not shown) which readily converts any excess ozone,
which flows along the ozone bleed off and vent conduit 72, into oxygen
which thereafter can be safely discharged directly within the laundry
mat.

[0043] The hot water compartment 26 of the temporary storage tank 22 also
includes a hot water discharge outlet 74 for supplying hot water, as
necessary, along a conventional hot water supply bulkhead 76 to each one
of the washing machines 34 accommodated within the laundry mat. In
addition, the cold water compartment 28 of the temporary storage tank 22
also includes a cold water discharge outlet 78 for supplying cold water,
as necessary, along a conventional cold water supply bulkhead 80 to each
one of the washing machines 34 accommodated within the laundry mat.

[0044] During operation of the compact unit 2, when any one of the washing
machines 34 requires hot water, such hot water is supplied along the hot
water bulkhead 76 to the desired washing machine(s) 34 and dispensed into
the associated drum (not shown) of that washing machine 34.
Alternatively, when any one of the washing machines 34 requires cold
water, such cold water is supplied along the cold water bulkhead 80 to
the desired washing machine(s) 34 and dispensed into the associated drum
of that washing machine 34. When any one of the washing machines 34
requires tepid water, generally an equal amount of both hot water and
cold water is simultaneously supplied along the respective hot water and
cold water bulkheads 76, 80 to the desired washing machine(s) 34 and
dispensed into the associated drum of that washing machine 34.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the combined hot and ozonated cold
water compact unit 2 is provided with a chase 82 which facilitates
connection of a conventional air supplied duct to an air inlet 86 of the
conventional hot water heater device 18, for supplying fresh combustion
air thereto, and an exhaust duct 84, for exhausting the combustion
byproducts of the condensing hot water heater device 18.

[0046] According to the present invention, during any hot water wash, the
washing machine 34 is only initially filled with hot water during the
initial wash cycle and thereafter all subsequent wash cycle(s) and/or
rinse cycles of that washing machine 34 are solely supplied with ozonated
cold water, supplied via the cold water bulkhead 80, to the washing
machine 34. Similarly, for any warm (i.e., tepid) water wash, the washing
machine 34 is only initially filled with equal amounts of both hot water
and cold water, during the initial wash cycle, and thereafter all
subsequent wash cycle(s) and/or rinse cycles of that washing machine 34
are solely supplied with ozonated cold water supplied, via the cold water
bulkhead 80, to the washing machine 34. Finally, for any cold water wash,
the washing machine 34 is initially filled with cold water and all
subsequent wash cycle(s) and/or rinse cycles of that washing machine 34
are also only supplied with ozonated cold water, supplied via the cold
water bulkhead 80, to the washing machine 34.

[0047] With reference now FIGS. 9-11, a second embodiment of the present
invention will now be briefly discussed. As this embodiment is very
similar to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are utilized
to depict the same or similar elements.

[0048] As shown in these Figures, the combined hot and ozonated cold water
compact unit 2 also generally comprises a framework 4 which supports and
accommodates the internal components of the compact unit. As with the
first embodiment, a conventional hot water heater device 18, a
conventional ozone generator device 20 and a combined hot and cold water
temporary storage tank 22 are all accommodated within the internal cavity
13 of the combined hot and ozonated cold water compact unit 2 along with
the associated plumbing and pumps. The major difference between this
embodiment and the previous embodiment is that this embodiment is a
"vertical" arrangement in which both the hot water heater device 18 and
the conventional ozone generator device 20 are located vertically above
the temporary storage tank 22. Accordingly, this embodiment generally
only requires about 16 ft.2 of floor surface area at the laundry mat
but, as a result, generally does not provide a utility/folding surface
like the first embodiment. In all other respects, this embodiment is
substantially identical to the previous embodiment.

[0049] If so desired, a cold water supply manifold (not shown) may
interconnect the cold water inlet 43, of the cold water compartment 28,
directly with the cold water outlet 65 of the cold water compartment 28
for supplying the cold water to the venturi 62. The cold water supply
manifold is manufactured substantially in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.
7,735,458, and the teachings of that reference are incorporated herein by
reference. The cold water supply manifold has a plurality of apertures
provided in the exterior surface of that manifold which permits,
depending upon the flow rate through the cold water supply manifold, some
of the ozonated cold water to be drawn into the cold water supply
manifold, and mix with and be conveyed along with the ozonated cold water
flowing within the cold water supply manifold, as the cold water flows
therealong toward the venturi 62 for initial ozone treatment. This
arrangement generally ensures that a majority of the cold water is
initially ozonated before being directly discharged into the cold water
compartment 28 of the temporary storage tank 22 for conveyance to any of
the washing machine(s) 34. However, when simultaneous filling of a
plurality of washing machines 34 occurs, some of the initially supplied
cold water may flow out through the apertures directly into the cold
water compartment 28 for supply to the washing machines 34 without first
being ozonated. This ensures that the water flow rate does not in any way
restrict or inhibit the water filling rate of any of the washing
machines, particularly when three or more washing machines, for example,
are being simultaneously filled with tepid and/or cold water.

[0050] The combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit typically
occupies a volume of 64 ft.3 or so.

[0051] In the above description and appended drawings, it is to be
appreciated that only the terms "consisting of" and "consisting only of"
are to be construed in the limitative sense while of all other terms are
to be construed as being open-ended and given the broadest possible
meaning.

[0052] Since certain changes may be made in the above described improved
the combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit, without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is
intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown
in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples
illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as
limiting the invention.